Big budget decisions for the state of California this week, and while I am in support of the unions, the reality is that we are all faced with some drastic moments now.

These harsh economic times are not just exclusive to our state, or for the most part our nation, but the world is in economic meltdown.

We all have to make cuts. It hurts, but there is no other alternative. The Sentinel has to make cuts, General Motors, the City of Los Angeles, mom and pop stores are closing their doors.

This is the beginning of summer and while in the past we would be planning a vacation, today we are just trying to hold onto what little we have.

You've heard me say it before, and I say it again--we cannot be deterred from such challenging times, we must sustain our fight to make it through them.

On the other side of this mess are a lot of brighter days and hopefully from these dark nightmares we can learn how to appreciate to little things that much more.

There is nothing more painful than the unfolding trigger of a person losing their which affects their immediate family, their church, their community businesses which depended on them and other non-profit organizations which relied on their volunteer time or donations.

This is not a time for us to get mad or upset, but instead get smart and resourceful.

Walk short distances where you once drove. Have more family gatherings than you did, instead of going out.

Enjoy a DVD instead of a movie theater.

Read a book that you've had shelved for months. Meditate and pray more frequently, relax in the quiet of your own home.

Life may not be what you want it to be, but thank God that you have one...